Attitude And Interest Of An Information Professional Towards Digital Preservation

The study examined the attitude and interest of an information professional towards digital preservation, using librarians in University of Lagos and Lasu as a study.

Survey research was adopted, University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) was purposely selected because of the accessibility. The population of the selected institution was 104 according to the administrative department. There was no sampling technique used because the total number the librarians in Lagos was enumeratedly used. A validated questionnaire was employed to collect data. Realiability test of the instrument yielded cronbach alpha coefficient ranging from (?) 0.649-0.755. The response rate of 78%. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation and the inferential statistics of Pearson correlation were used for data analysis to show the relationship between attitude-interest and digital preservation. Hypothesis were tested at 5% level of significance.

The study found that there is a positive and significant relationship between attitude of librarians towards digital preservation in University of Lagos and LASU; librarians in University of Lagos and LASU are highly interested in digital preservation. It also revealed that apart from their general use of computers in their services, they also allow students regular access to digitally preserved resources;librarians in University of Lagos and LASU are committed to digital preservation based on the fact that equipment for the purpose are available adequately.       

The study concluded that there is a positive and significant relationship between attitude of librarians towards digital preservation in University of Lagos and LASU. This means that the Librarians in University of Lagos and LASU are highly interested in digital preservation. It also revealed that apart from their general use of computers in their services, they also allow students regular access to digitally preserved resources. In line with the findings of the study, it was recommended that; More ICT equipment should be deployed to the academic libraries in higher institution to encourage digital preservation; Training and retraining of librarians should be done from time to time to inculcate positive attitude and interest towards digital preservation;Efforts should be enhanced by the institution authorities towards digital preservation so as to meet the yearnings and aspiration of the users and researchers;Other accessory facilities should be provided in the academic library to aid the process of digital preservation. 

Key words: attitude, interest, librarians, digital, digital preservation.